What Doctors Tell Their Friends About Preventing Cancer

These specialists get cornered everywhere from family reunions to Facebook by people feeling spooked by the C word. Here's the real and reassuring advice they pass along—use it to take control of your health.

You don't have to give up sweets

You don't have to give up sweets

"Lots of people I know think that sugar causes cancer so you should avoid it at all costs. It's true that cancer cells do utilize sugar to grow, but when friends tell me proudly, 'I've cut sweets out of my diet completely,' I tell them, 'You don't need to do that.' Now, that's not to say you should indulge in all the soda and cupcakes you want, because data shows that a diet packed with empty calories from sugar-filled processed foods or soft drinks can up your cancer risk. But if you're eating right, filling your plate with healthy food, it's fine to have the occasional sweet treat. A close friend was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, and even in her situation, enjoying, say, a cookie or slice of pie is more than okay." —Nam Tran, M.D., neuro-oncologist and surgeon at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, FL

Got an abnormal pap smear? Stop smoking, pronto!

Got an abnormal pap smear? Stop smoking, pronto!

"Up to 80 percent of women have been exposed to the HPV virus by the time they hit middle age, so it's not surprising for me to hear about this diagnosis from my friends. Most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer. However, it's not unusual for someone to go in for their Pap test and get abnormal results that can indicate precancer. More than one has said to me, 'There's nothing I can do though, right?' My reply? 'Uh—yeah, there is!' Once the precancerous cells are removed, you should stop smoking to minimize the chance of a recurrence. Research has shown that carcinogens found in tobacco actually show up in a woman's cervical mucus, and those carcinogens create a greater likelihood that HPV will be persistent, upping your risk of developing full-blown cervical cancer. Another reason to ditch the cigs!" —Lauren Streicher, M.D., associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University in Chicago and author of The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy